1st Day of puppy school - thought I was going to LOSE IT- help me!

[ZoeRestorick]

It will get easier as Champ learns more commands. It will really pay off for you both as he gets older too. Stick with it and forget what everyone thinks; you paid your money to learn and to train your dog.

Sending {{{positive vibes}}} to you and Champ for a better 'next time' class!
Chin up!

 

[Jan]

Is this actually a puppy? It sounds like they didn't get playtime, which they usually get in puppy class.

You will need the best treats in such a distracting environment. Think smelly!
You might want to try these:

Tuna Fudge

2-6oz cans of tuna or salmon (do not drain)
1 ½ cups of Br. Rice Flour (any flour will do)
1 Tbsp garlic powder
2 eggs
Grated parmesan cheese, a handful of grated or a 1 inch cube ungrated

Mix all together in a food processor or a mixer. I use a food processor. Process the cheese first until fairly fine. Add the rest of the ingredients all at once and pulse until thoroughly mixed. Grease a 9 x 13 pan or line with parchment paper. I use the parchment paper as it makes it so easy to remove from the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Texture should be fudge/putty-like. Cut into small squares. (use a pizza cutter) Keep in the freezer until needed.

I always take these to class. They are really easy to make and will get the dogs attention when nothing else will work. Everyone always wants the recipe.

You also might try taking a Kong stuffed with PB to keep him distracted while the trainer is talking.

Don't give up, he will get better!

Good luck!

 

[KonaKoffe]

Didn't read thru all the post so this may have lareafdy been said.

First we took the same class and Kona was bigger than all the puppies - even at 12 weeks. She dominated everyone. The trainer made a point of saying how different boxer play - which is true - they box.

One thing she suggested to all of us is that we make sure to play with the dogs alot BEFORE they come to class so they are tired when they get to class.

The instructor is in charge of the class and during the group play time ( we had one at the start of class and in the middle) the instructor should let you know if she/he thinks your dog's behavior is out of line. Talk to the instructor about your concerns after class.

If the other people have a problem, that is their problem. It is a group class of all types of dogs and they need to deal with that or get private classes. It is a TRAINING class- dogs are expected to be untrained. If thier dogs are so well behaved maybe they don't need training - or the dogs are just shy or scared to act up


Hang in there. You paid just as much as everyone else did and you have every right to be there. Don't quit!!!

 

[Bjaken]

At the PetSmart classes, at least the one I went to, there is no playtime during class for puppies. You can play as much as you want before or after class, but during class, they really try to teach your pup to get used to paying attention to you WITH the distractions. And we all know how much other dogs are a distraction to our babies!!!

 

[alibrennan]

My experience

I chose to take Roxy to a 6 wk course taught by a trainer at the SPCA. She talked about our dogs' behaviors and did make it a point to say if you were uncomfortable with free time play at the end of class that you weren't required to stay. She also helped me by explaining how boxers play. I promise you....IT WILL GET BETTER!!! Roxy is so much easier to handle on a leash. I definitely see the difference. As for treats, we weren't allowed to bring them because she said it interests the other dogs as well, therefore distracting them. Our babies are strong and playful to begin with, but you are doing the right thing. HANG IN THERE!!! We are rooting for you!!!

 

[BentleysMama]

At the PetSmart classes, at least the one I went to, there is no playtime during class for puppies. You can play as much as you want before or after class, but during class, they really try to teach your pup to get used to paying attention to you WITH the distractions. And we all know how much other dogs are a distraction to our babies!!!

We took Bentley to PetSmart's puppy class and they got to play plenty. She said it was a part of being in a puppy class, so that they learn how to socialize. Sometimes it was also a reward for doing a good job. There was only one other dog in the class and I think that helped a lot. We got a lot of one on one time with the instructor. You really should talk to your instructor and see what they say. They may have really good tips. Good luck. I'm sure it will get better and it will be well worth the time and effort.

 

[leeshie45]

You all are a big help. Thanks so much, Jan for that recipe...I'll definitely be making them. I have freeze dried tripe with me, which he doesn't get all that often, but I guess I need something better. I did bring a kong too - stuffed with turkey and cottage cheese, which he loves, but he paid no attention to it at all.

And yes, he IS a puppy - 6 months...and there was NO playtime for them. I was so disappointed...I thought when class was over, evreyone would stick around, chat, let the dogs chill together, and nope, none of that...everyone just up and left. Even in the parking lot, when we were walking back to the car, we ran into one of the other dogs, and his owner quickly pulled him away - wouldn't even let me bring Champ over to say HI. What the HELL??

So I'll work on trying to tire him out before we go to class, but I only have a about a half hour in between getting home,and taking him there, but maybe we'll go for a run or something.

Thanks for all of your support, guys.... lovicon

 

[efb01]

Watson was the same way when we started the Petsmart puppy class. We just finished the 5th week and the trainer uses him now when she is showing us something new. He catches on so quickly. Our class is small - only 4 pups(Watson, Yorkie, Cavalier spaniel, and German shepherd.) The German shepherd owner is leery of Watson but the Yorkie and spaniel play with Watson all the time. Hang in there. It will get better and you'll be glad you stuck with it. I usually go to class about 15-20 minutes early and walk Watson around Petsmart or the shopping center. Works out his excitement.

 

[Jill's boxer]

1st day of puppy school

Leeshie45--Hang in there, it will get better! I was really worried about Gracie's first day of class--luckily she behaved pretty well. It was your first class, and probably one of Champ's very first encounter with a bunch of other puppies, you can't blame his excitement and confusion--he'll figure out that "class time" is "work time" and hopefully you can find at least one pup willing to play briefly before/after as a treat. I know my trainer does not want any of the pups socializing during class but before & after is ok. My biggest problem with Gracie is the "watch me" command--I cannot always get her to look at me when I give the command and she will not hold it well...and now she is starting to jump up on me when "watching" because she wants a treat! so, not only am I trying to teach her one behavior, but I have to discourage another behavior at the same time! Anyhow, just try to keep your cool--getting upset will only upset Champ and make the entire lesson counter-productive for both of you. And don't worry--it won't always be Champ causing a ruckus--next week or the week after someone else's pup will act up and take the pressure off Champ!

***if it makes you feel any better, Gracie woke up this morning possessed by the devil and I think she just found my last nerve! LOL

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

Aw, don't get discouraged! That's the famous, childlike Boxer personality you're dealing with. When I first took Scrapper to obedience class, he was the same way. You should have seen me trying to get him to lie down....
Luckily, the instructor grew up with Boxers and loved them. She was patient with me while Scrapper pranced and pulled around the class, while the other Labs and Schnauzers were heeling nicely with their owners. Don't give up, be patient. The other posters' advice is right, time will settle him down, and persistance because Boxers are very smart, but they are independent thinkers, that's for sure! Exercise before class helps, and I always feel that if they are slightly hungry, they will be more interested in the goodies that you bring. Boxers are definitely different than other dogs. So, don't be embarrassed, just determined and consistent and you will get a good result.